









/ 


Danbury and Our Boys 
in the World War/ 


y 

By Anna Hornik 


1 



COPYRIQHT 


1923 

ANNA HORNIK 




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JUL-5'23 / 

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CONTENTS 

Page 


Part I. What Danbury Contributed to the War. 4 

Part II. After the War is Over. The American Legion 

Carries On. 1 4 

Chapter I. As a National Organization. 14 

Chapter II. The American Legion Auxiliary. 18 

Chapter III. The Department of Connecticut. 2 1 

Chapter IV. The Danbury Post, No. 60. 23 

Chapter V. The Auxiliary Unit. 29 



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t 


* 









PART I 


i 


What Danbury Contributed to the War. 


Danbury’s only defense before the war—The Eighth Company, 
Coast Artillery Corps, Connecticut National Guard. (8th Co., C. 
A. C., C. N. G.) 


o 


ROSTER, JULY, 1917. 


Captain, 
Charles Lord. 

First Lieutenant, 
Anthony Sunderland. 


Second Lieutenants, 
Charles Voegele. 


Staff Officer. 
Gus Holmgren, 


Sergeants 

First Sergeant, Frank Stone 
Supply Sergeant, Harold Lent 
Mess Sergeant, Martin Green 


Frederick Schulze, 
Willis Woodin 
Renzo Gaia 
Alton O’Connor 


Ivan Lord 
Charles Regan 
Clarence Wildman 
Joseph Wixted 


Corporals 

Buglers, Lloyd Sturgcs, Michael Peeler 
Cooks—Joseph Pawloski, Franklin Snow 
Mechanics—Walter Meyers, John Brodie 


George Benig 
Robert Betancourt 
Alfred Connolley 
Louis Deboben 
Anthony Favorinski 
Dominic Hunt 




Kenneth Keeler 
John Marsh 
John McCarthy 
Avery Pike 
Frederick Quaas 
Paul Walsh 




Privates 


Clarence Avery 
Clifford Baldwin 
Clifford Banks 
Alvah Bishop 
LeGrand Benedict 
Clayton Bennett 
Joseph Bleckel 
Ernest Boughey 
Arthur Brink 
Floyd Comstock 
Thomas Cassidy 
Andrew Carlson 
Martin Carrol 
Frank Cleary 
Irving Conley 
Charles Churchill 
William Collier 
Clifford Conklin 
Miles Dickins 
Herbert Durgy 
Francis Dyer 
George Emans 
Karl Faust 
Edward Foshay 
Arthur Franklin 
Robert Ferry 
William Gabrielle 
Arthur Gleave 
Edward Goos 
Carl Gustafson 


Herbert Hand 
John Haugh 
Lewis Hawley 
William Heady 
Matthias Heinzelman 
Marshall Huse 
John Huss 
Kenneth Hooper 
George Johnson 
Clayton Knapp 
Leo Kelley 
Arthur Kelley 
William Lewis 
Hanford Light 
Martin Lillis 
Harry Lutes 
Walter Martin 
Algie Mead 
Paul Manacek 
Frank Metcalf 
Ronald McLean 
Daniel Mclnerney 
Harry Miller 
Matthew Mitchell 
Lyman Monroe 
Edward Morris 
George Myers 
Joseph Norkin 
Einar Olson 
Louis Osborne 


Stuart Payne 
Michael Piccirille 
William Phillips 
John Renner 
Frank Ridgeway 
George Seaberg 
Stephen Sedimer 
Weber Schoening 
William Schofield 
Charles Sherwood 
Chari es Schmidt 
George Stott 
Walter Silvernail 
Howard Stryker 
Leroy Taylor 
Francis Vaughn 
Raymond Walling 
Albert Walsh 
Benjamin Washburn 
Clifton White 
Joseph Zarcone 

Reserves 

Charles Bachman 
Gilbert Burns 
Earl Gallagher 
George Hinckley 
Charles Schulz 
Wilbur Valine 


Order of Important Events in Danbury During the Great War, 
Beginning With the Declaration of War, April 6, 1917, 
and Ending With the Signing of the Armistice, 
November 11, 1918. 


« 


May —Marked the first enlistments of “Our Boys” in the service 
of their country, in various branches. 

June —The first military registration was held and 1,895 men 
between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-one registered for 
service. 

Danbury contributed $16,950.38 to the fund raised by the Red 
Cross Campaign. First Liberty Loan Campaign amounted to 

$380,150. 


5 






July —Orders were received for the Eighth Company to mob¬ 
ilize for Federal Service, leaving on the 25 th, for Fort Wright, 
Fisher s Island, prior to active service in France. A fund of $1,100 
was presented to the Company by the community. 

August —Examination of 4 1 0 registered men begins. Danbury 
district s quota being 1 65 men in the first draft for National Army 
Service. 

September —During the month sixty-six registered men in the 
first draft leave for Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass. 

October —Second contingent of sixty-nine men leave for Camp 
Devens. 

Walter J. Henebry dies of pneumonia at Camp Devens. He is 
the first Danbury boy to die in the service of his country. 

Danbury contributed $808 toward the War Library Fund. 

At the close of the Second Liberty Loan Campaign, Danbury 
had subscribed for bonds to the amount of $1,183,000—50% 
“over-the-top.” 

November —Second draft call is issued. A total of one-hun¬ 
dred and seventy-six men have entered for service in the National 
Army. 

Danbury contributes $14,680 toward the Y. M. C. A. Drive. 

December —Thirty-two men enlist in the Ordnance Corps. 

Jewish War Relief Fund drive closes with a contribution of 

$2,106.25. 

Christmas Red Cross Roll Call brings in $8,855. 


— 1918 — 

January —Knights of Columbus open drive for $10,000, but in¬ 
stead reach the amount of $13,850, with 5,100 persons contribut¬ 
ing. 

Nine men leave for Camp Devens, having been deferred from 
the last draft on account of the influenza epidemic. 

February —The Salvation Army Drive shows a report of 
$1,800. 

Contingent of twenty-six men leave for Camp Devens. 


6 



March —A drive to secure reading matter for our sailors and 
soldiers, results in 2,160 volumes of books and magazines being 
contributed. 

The first roster printed, since the war began, shows that Dan¬ 
bury had enrolled over 500 men. The following indicate the var¬ 
ious branches of service to which they were assigned: 

Regular Army —Medical department, four; Dental reserve, 
three. Officers’ reserve corps, eight; one in France. Veterinary 
reserve corps, one. Signal corps, eight. Ordnance department, 
thirty-nine; one in France. Quartermasters’ department, eleven; 
two in France. Ambulance service, nine; four in France, two hav¬ 
ing already returned after six months’ service. Transportation ser¬ 
vice, three; one in France. Sanitary detachment, Coast defense, 
eight. Flome Guard section, Coast defense; ninety-nine. Rail¬ 
road corps, six; and all in France. Engineering corps, three; one * 
in France. Balloon unit, four including one in France. Aviation 
corps, thirty-nine. Infantry, twenty-seven; twelve in France. Ar¬ 
tillery, ten; five in France. Cavalry, four. Marine corps, eight. 
Musicians, four. 

National Army—One hundred and thirty-six. 

Canadian Army—Six. 

Navy —Fifty-nine, including Captain, Commander, Lieutenant, 
and Ensigns, also wireless operators, hospital apprentices, machin¬ 
ists’ mates, yeoman, seaman and reserves. In this department also 
appear the names of three young women who enlisted their services 
as Uncle Sam’s yeomanettes. 

Three former Danbury men in the ministry have been assigned 
to duty as chaplains in the National Army. 

During the six months’ of the draft, two hundred and twenty- 
three men have been accepted for service into the National Army. 

April —The first word that had been received of the safe arrival 
over-seas of members of the Eighth Company, now of the 28th 
Regiment. 

Danbury goes “over-the-top” in the Third Liberty Loan Drive, 
subscribing to $1,150,600 worth of bonds. 

Word was received of the death in action, on April 20th, of 
George C. Fairchild, of New Fairfield; the first man in this district 
to lose his life on the battlefields of France. 

May —A contingent of ninety-four selective-service men leave 
for Camps Upton, N. Y., and Fort Slocum, Boston, Mass. 

During the Red Cross Drive, Danbury contributed $27,000 
toward the fund. 


7 




News received of the safe arrival overseas of the 56th Regiment, 
Battery E, formerly members of the Eighth Company, C. A. C. 

June —Men who have reached the age of twenty-one since June 
5th, 1917, register for service. 

Seven nurses graduating from the Danbury Hospital Training 
School volunteer their services. 

War Savings and Thrift Stamps Campaign closes with a pledge 
of $160,000. 

July —One hundred and forty-seven selective-service men leave 
for Camp Devens, and eight limited-service men leave for Syracuse, 

N. Y. 

August —Seven colored men; three limited-service, and fifteen 
selected-service men leave for camp. Thirty-six selective service 
men leave for Camp Greenleaf, Ga. and six limited-service men 
leave for Camp Upton, N. Y. 

Thus far, reports just compiled show that 1,050 men from this 
district are in the service of their country. 

“Our Boys” of the old Eighth Company, now the 56th are on 
the firing-line and in the thick of battle. Raymond Walling re¬ 
ported the first member of the company to lose his life in the war. 

September —Men between the ages of thirty-two and forty-five 
register for service. Eighteen selective service men leave for Camp 
Upton. 

Local Red Cross sends 500 sweaters and 1,356 pairs of sox to 
the men in service. 

Fourth Liberty Loan far exceeds its quota, $1,746,050 was the 
amount pledged by the people of Danbury. 

October —Thirty selective-service men leave for Fortress Mon¬ 
roe, Va., and five limited-service men leave for Fort Slocum, Mass. 

The women of Danbury send two tons of jam to France. 

November —During the United War Work Campaign, $55,000 
was contributed by the community. 

The Victory Loan shows a pledge of $1,160,300, while the 
1918 Red Cross Roll Call amounted to $6,1 20. 

The grand total raised for war purposes amounted to the sum 
of nearly six million dollars. 

The total number of men and women in service from Danbury 
was thirteen hundred; of these 1 12 served in the Navy, 49 in the 
Aviation Corps; 20 in the Marine Service; 24 in the Student Army 
Training Corps (S. A. T. C.;) 12 in Special Service, the remainder 
were in the Regular Army. Also three Chaplains enlisted from 


8 



Danbury; ten Physicians and Dentists; eleven young women who 
served as Army Nurses and Yeomanettes. 

One hundred families gave two members of their family to the 
service; eighteen families gave three men; one family gave four 
sons to the service of their country. 

The number of men who lost their lives during the war were 
thirty-six; eleven in the United States, and twenty-five in France. 

Fifty men were reported wounded on the battle fields of France, 
while many more were gassed and shell-shocked. 

The total number disabled from the effects of the war were 
sixty-one veterans. 


How Danbury Stood Back of the Boys. 


First Liberty Loan. $ 380,150 

Second Liberty Loan. 1,183,800 

Third Liberty Loan. 1,150,600 

hourth Liberty Loan.. 1,746,050 

War Savings and Thrift Stamps. 160,000 

Victory Loan. 1,160,300 

Red Cross National Drive, 1917. 16,950 

Red Cross National Drive, 1918. 27,000 

Red Cross Roll Call, 1917. 8,855 

Red Cross Roll Call, 1918. 6,120 

Y. M. C. A. Drive, 1917. 14,680 

Knights of Columbus Drive. 13,850 

Salvation Army Drive. 1,808 

Jewish Relief Fund. 1,293 

Library Fund . 808 

United War Work Campaign. 55,000 


Grand Total, 


$5,780,900 


$ 58,925 


$ 87,439 

$5,927,264 



9 



















Honor Roll 

November 11, 1918-1919 

‘Our Boys ’ who were killed in action on the battle¬ 
fields of France, or lost their lives on foreign soil, in the 
service of their beloved country: 

Private George C. Fairchild, 1 02nd Infantry, killed 
in action, April 20, 1918. 

Frank A. Morgan, Co. M., 102nd Infantry, killed in 
action, June 20, 1918. 

Private Albert Smith, Co. A., 101st Infantry, killed 
in action, July 23, 1918. 

Private Emil Marasco, Co. K., 326th Infantry, killed 
in action, August 4, 1918. 

Private John Gilbert, Signal Corps, 327th Infantry, 
died of wounds received in action, August 12,1918. 

Private Raymond Walling, Battery F:, 56th Artil¬ 
lery, died of wounds received in action, August 3 1 st, 
19 * 18 . 

Private Iver Holmes, Co. G., 307th Infantry, re¬ 
ported killed in action, September 15, 1918. 

Private Joseph Russo, 116th Supply Co., Quarter¬ 
masters Corps, died in France, September 19, 1918. 

Private George H. Wood, Co. B., 307th Infantry, 
died from wounds received in action, September 20th, 
1918 . 

G. Winthrop Standish, Co. H., 107th Infantry, 

killed in action, September 29, 1918. 

Corporal George W. Hyatt, Co. A., 32 7th Infantry, 
died of wounds received in action, October 3, 1918. 

Private George B. Hawley, Headquarters Co., 307th 
Infantry, died in France, October 7, 1918. 

Private Joseph T. Cassidy, Co. I., 1 15th Infantry, 
killed in action, October 8, 1918. 


10 


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Corporal Charles A. Schoonover, 305th Infantry, 
killed in action, October 10, 1918. 

Private Phillip Tomanio, Co. A., 1 1th Machine Gun 
Battalion, died in France, October 11, 1918. 

Private Toby Azmar, 325 th Infantry, killed in 
action, October 11, 1918. 

Private Gustave Streibig, Co. L., 325th Infantry, 
died of wounds received in action, October 17, 1918. 

Private Martin E. Brennan, Headquarters Co., 1 38th 
Field Artillery, killed in railroad accident in England, 
October 26, 1918. 

Musician Avery N. Hinckley, 77th Field Artillery 
Band, killed in action, November 11, 1918. 

Private James DePaolis, Battery F., 10th Field Ar¬ 
tillery, died in France, November 26, 1918. 

Private Fred G. Lyon, Sanitary Detachment, 56th 
Artillery, died in France, December 3, 1918. 

Private Edward N. Street, Co. B., 4th Military 
Police, died at Thier, Germany, December 10, 1918. 

Private James Cantoni, Co. I., 304th Regiment, died 
in France, January 6, 1919. 

Corporal Anthony Mancuso, Co. L., 325 th In¬ 
fantry, died of wounds received in action, January 1 0, 

1919. 

James F. Kelley, Merchant Marine Service, drowned 
at Rotterdam, Holland, August 2, 1919. 


Died in Service in the United States 

Private Walter J. Henebry, 304th Infantry, died at 
Camp Devens, Mass,, October 14, 1917. 

Seaman Ronald Luke, U. S. Navy, died in Brook¬ 
lyn, N. Y., May 17, 1918. 

Cadet George Byrnes, Merchant Marine Service, 
died in Brookline, Mass., September 21, 1918. 















Private Paul Manent, 37th Co., 131st Depot Bri¬ 
gade, died at Camp Devens, Mass., September 24th, 
1918. 

Private John E. Lobdell, 74th Infantry, died at 
Camp Devens, Mass., September 30, 1918. 

Private Alfred Layman, Radio Department, died at 
Ebbert’s Field, Ark., September 30, 1918. 

Private Joseph McFlugh, 24th Co., 152 Depot Bri¬ 
gade, died at Camp Upton, N. Y., October 4, 1918. 

Private Stephen J. Feeley, Engineers Corps, died at 
Washington, D. C., October 4, 1918. 

Private Philo J. Flawley, Engineers Corps, died at 
Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., October 11, 1918. 

Private Reuben J. Knapp, 24th Co., 152nd Depot 
Brigade, died at Camp Upton, N. Y., October 13, 
1918. 

Private Terrence Coffey, Co. F., 74th Infantry, died 
at Camp Devens, Mass., January 25, 1919. 


Bodies of “Our Heroes” Returned Home 

Private Martin E. Brennan. 

Private George B. Hawley. 

Private James F. Kelley. 

Private Phillip Tomanio. 

Private Fred G. Lyon. 

Private Edward N. Street. 

Private Anthony W. Mancuso. 
Private John F. Gilbert. 

Private Joseph T. Cassidy. 

Private James Cantoni. 

Private Emil Marasco. 

Private Gustave Streibig. 

Cadet George A. Byrnes. 
















Ex-Service Men Who Have Died Since November 
11, 1919, or After Honorable Discharge. 

James O’Hara, December 17, 1919. 

Emil Dittmar, February 3, 1920. 

Charles Michael, February 8, 1920. 

Andrew Kelley, June 9, 1920. 

Joseph Bates, July 30, 1920. 

Frank Tomaino, August 6, 1920. 

Roy Webber, September 8, 1920. 

Frederick Berardi, January 9, 1921. 

Fowell Starr, August 7, 1921. 

George Mitchel, October 13, 1921. 

Alfred Belot, January 30, 1922. 

Joseph Wochek, August 28, 1922. 

William Euvrard, September 2 7, 1922. 
Charles Rice, March 19, 1923. 

John Falvo, May 28, 1923. 






PART II. 







After the War is Over The American Legion Carries On. 


PREAMBLE. 

National Constitution of The American Legion. 

“For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the 
following purposes: 

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of 
America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a 
one hundred per cent. Americanism; to preserve the memories and 
incidents of our association in the Great War; to inculcate a sense of 
individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to com¬ 
bat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right 
the master of might; to promote peace and good-will on earth; to 
safe-guard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, free¬ 
dom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship 
by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” 


CHAPTER I. 

After the War is Over—The American Legion Carries On 

As a National Organization. 

Hardly had the thrill of Armistice Day ceased when a Veterans’ 
organization began to be discussed. That great organized body of 
ex-service men and women who served our country in the Great 
War found its birth on the soils of France. The original vision of a 
small group of men who met and planned the Paris Caucus has not 
been lost sight of in the Legion. Their dream of a great soldiers’ 
organization, moved by an impulse for continued service to Ameri¬ 
ca, and held together by the ties of comradeship in the World’s 
greatest adventure has come true. 


14 



Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the father of The American Legion, 
first called together the original group of twenty founders to meet 
in Paris on the evening of February 15th, 1919. It was at this 
meeting that the Paris Caucus was decided upon, a policy of organ¬ 
ization adopted and the work of getting the great movement started 
assigned to those present. They were undecided whether to initiate 
the movement in France or wait until they were all back home and 
out of service. After much discussion it was determined to estab¬ 
lish the tradition of having the organization formed in France, the 
scene of America s bitter tragedies and glorious victories. 

The committee decided upon March 1 5 th for the Paris Caucus 
and sent notifications to representatives of every overseas division 
to attend. Nearly 1,000 officers and enlisted men were present. 
An executive committee of 1 00 was chosen, a constitution outlined, 
and the name “The American Legion” given the new organization. 
The high purposes which moved The American Legion from its in¬ 
ception were embodied in the first draft of its Constitution. Since 
then the immortal preamble which now proclaims the Legion s pur¬ 
pose has developed to take its place as one of the great documents 
in American history. 

To get word of The American Legion into the minds and hearts 
of every eligible man and woman in France was the task at hand. 
All sailors, soldiers and marines were entitled to membership, while 
the details of enrollment were to be undertaken in the United States. 
The high requirements which were decided upon then, still prevail; 
that is: 

“Any person shall be eligible to membership in The American 
Legion, who was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commis¬ 
sioned and who served in active duty in the Army, Navy, or Marine 
Corps of the United States at some time during the period between 
April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, both dates inclusive, or 
who, being a citizen of the United States, at the time of his entry, 
therein, served on active duty in the Naval, Military or Air Forces 
of any of the governments associated with the United States durimg 
the Great War; provided that no person shall be entitled to mem¬ 
bership (a) who, being in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps during 
that period, refused on conscientious, political or other grounds, to 
subject himself to military discipline or unqualified service, or (b) 
who being in such service, was separated therefrom under circum¬ 
stances amounting to dishonorable discharge and has not subse¬ 
quently been restored to an honorable status.” 

On April 7, 1919, at another meeting in Paris, a committee of 
fifteen was appointed to begin operations in America. 

A call to the St. Louis Caucus to be held May 8-10, was sent 
broadcast. Delegates went from every State in the Union. Flenry 
Lindsley was elected National Commander. 


15 



The Paris and St. Louis executive committees met in New York, 
on May 23rd, and formed The National Executive Committee which 
was responsible for the organization work. 

A congressional charter was granted on September 16th, in¬ 
corporating The American Legion. 

November 10, 11, and 12, the first anniversary of the Signing 
of the Armistice was chosen as a fitting date for the first National 
Convention, held at Minneapolis, Minn. Frank D Olier was elected 
National Commander; a permanent constitution was adopted; 
Indianapolis was chosen as the permanent Legion Headquarters; the 
second convention to be called at Cleveland, Ohio, September 2 7th 
to 29th, 1920. 

At this convention important resolutions were adopted; policies 
reaffirmed, and it was also voted to bend all efforts toward securing 
justice for the disabled ex-service men. The Shirley Poppy was 
adopted as the official flower; Frederick W. Galbraith, Jr., was 
elected National Commander; the third National Convention to be 
held in Kansas City, Mo., October 31st, and November 1st and 2d, 

1921. 

June 9, 1921, National Commander, Galbraith, was killed in an 
accident at Indianapolis, while on a speaking tour in the interest of 
the ex-service men, especially the disabled. John G. Emery suc¬ 
ceeds him in office. 

October 31—The Third National Convention opens at Kansas 
City. Four foreign renowned heroes representing our allies in the 
Great War were in attendance, Marshal Foch, of France; General 
Diaz, of Italy; General Jacques, of Belgium, and Admiral Beatty, of 
Britain. General John P®rshing was also present. 

Hanford MacNider was elected National Commander. It was 
voted to continue the Legion’s stand for the Adjusted Compensa¬ 
tion Bill, and to fight for its earliest enactment. It was at this Con¬ 
vention, November 2nd, that the National American Legion Aux¬ 
iliary came into being. 

The Fourth National Convention of The American Legion was 
held in New Orleans, La., October 16th to 19th, 1922. A thous¬ 
and delegates representing every state in the Union attended. Gen¬ 
eral Pershing was again present. 

Alvin Owsley, of Texas, Director of the Legion’s Americanism 
Commission was elected Commander.. 


16 


The voice of the Convention declared among other policies, 
that; it is the unanimous will of The American Legion that the fight 
for Adjusted Compensation be pressed until it is won; eight amend¬ 
ments to the Constitution were adopted; it recommended uniform 
state laws to prevent abuse of the right to wear the Legion emblem 
and decried the commercial use of same; it authorized a study of 
plan to establish a National Home for destitute and orphaned child¬ 
ren of deceased Legionaires. It also recommended that the Friday 
prior to May First, each year, be set apart as Americanism Day; the 
next National Convention to be held in San Francisco, Cal. 


17 


CHAPTER II. 


The American Legion Auxiliary. 

The Women’s Auxiliary of The American Legion (that great 
body of ex-service men and women who served America in the 
Great War) was established by an act of the First National Conven¬ 
tion of The American Legion held at Minneapolis, Minn., November 
10th to 12th, 1919. 

The temporary national organization of The American Legion 
had received many requests for recognition from representatives of 
several women’s organizations prior to the holding of the conven¬ 
tion. The committee felt that they were not empowered sufficiently 
to grant recognition of this character, and advised these representa¬ 
tives to present their arguments to the proper committee at the con¬ 
vention. The permanent organization provided a committee to 
handle the question of an affiliated woman’s organization. This 
committee received representatives of all women’s organizations 
present and in every instance gave careful consideration to their 
many arguments favoring the acceptance of their respective organi¬ 
zations and the committee recommended that the new organization 
might well be known as the “Woman’s Auxiliary’’ of The American 
Legion. 

The name having been decided upon, the committee further 
recommended to the constitutional committee the present eligibility 
clause which appears as Article XIII in the National Constitution of 
The American Legion and reads as follows: 

Section 1. The American Legion recognizes an auxiliary or¬ 
ganization to be known as “The Woman’s Auxiliary of The Ameri¬ 
can Legion.’’ 

Sec. 2. Membership therein shall be limited to the mothers, 
wives, sisters and daughters of the members of The American Legion 
and to the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of all men and 
women who were in the military or naval service of the United 
States between April 6, 1917, and November II, 1918, and died in 
the line of battle or after honorable discharge and prior to Novem¬ 
ber 11, 1920. 

Sec. 3. The Auxiliary shall be governed in each department of 
The American Legion by such rules and regulations as may be pre¬ 
scribed by the National Executive Committee and thereafter ap¬ 
proved by such Department. 


18 



[Note.—Any person related to any member of the Legion 
either by birth or law under the name of mother, wife, sister or 
daughter is entitled to membership in the Auxiliary.] 

The Second National Convention of The American Legion held 
at Cleveland, Ohio, September 2 7th to 29th, 1920, approved the 
following report of the Committee on Woman s Auxiliary: That 
we fully realize the importance of the Woman’s Auxiliary and hope 
soon this organization may be completely perfected, in state and 
nation. 

It was recommended that when twenty (20%) per cent, of 
State Departments have organized Auxiliary Units, the National 
Commander shall call a Convention for the purpose of forming a 
National Organization; it was also recommended that the National 
Constitution be so amended as to permit a change of name and to 
select any name at the First National Convention of Woman s Aux¬ 
iliary. It was further recommended; That it be the policy of The 
American Legion in dealing with its Auxiliary to accept without 
question the policy and management, without any reservations what- 
so-ever, so long as the ideals and purposes of The American Legion 
are upheld. Also that a definite outline of suggested activities be 
submitted as a foundation upon which a cooperative program can 
be established that will tend to unite Posts of the Legion and Units 
of the Auxiliary, as well as to develop the social and economic life 
of our several communities and that such program be established by 
each Department Commander for his respective state. 

The first National Convention of The American Legion Auxil¬ 
iary was held at Kansas City, Mo., November 1st, 1921. National 
Commander, John Emery, of The American Legion presided. Gen¬ 
eral Pershing and Marshall Foch, of France, were present and each 
addressed the gathering. 

On Wednesday, November 2nd, reports were made by the fol¬ 
lowing committees: Credentials, Rules, Finance, Permanent Organ¬ 
izations, Resolution, Unit Organization and Activities, Welfare and 
Flospitalization, Constitution. 

The preamble adopted is similar to that of the Legion Constitu¬ 
tion, with the clause added: “To participate in, and contribute to 
the accomplishments of the aims and purposes of The American 
Legion, to consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion 
to mutual helpfulness. 

The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Lowell 
Hobart, Cincinnati, Ohio; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Clarence Edwards, 
Westwood, Mass., Mrs. Madge Johnson, Aberdeen, S. D., Mrs. 
Carrol Marks, Los Angeles, Cal., Mrs. Edward Murray, Houston, 
Texas; Secretary, Miss Pauline Curnick, Indianapolis, Ind.; Treas- 


♦ 


19 



Til t"> * -f 1 £ t 

urer, Miss M. Izetta McCoy, Topeka, Kan.; Historian, Mrs. Belle 
Nye, Albuquerque, N. M.; Chaplain, Mrs. F. O. Burdick, Wichita 
Falls, Texas. 

The Second National Convention of The American Legion Aux¬ 
iliary was held in New Orleans, La., October 16th to 19th, 1922. 
About five hundred women delegates, representing every state in 
the Union, besides, the Canal Zone, Hawaii and France were repre¬ 
sented. 

The Auxiliary showed its utmost confidence in The American 
Legion and pronounced itself one hundred per cent, with the Legion 
in its demand for adjusted compensation. It announced its sym¬ 
pathy with the Legion in its desire for improved conditions for dis¬ 
abled veterans; it passed resolutions endorsing the Legion s stand on 
immigration, law and order. In a way it was a reflection of the 
Legion Convention which was held in the same place and at the 
same time. 

The Auxiliary went out of its path to help all the veterans of the 
world, for it laid the foundation for an international society of 
Veteran s Auxiliary. 

A committee was appointed to consider with the Legion the 
adoption of the same National Flower for both organizations. 

A resolution was passed requesting that future articles of cloth¬ 
ing sold by the army be dyed before sale to civilians, so that non- 
ex-service men could not appear in guise of veterans and seek 
charity. 

Many resolutions were read on hospitalization. Several schemes 
for the advancement of the interests of disabled soldiers and sailors 
were brought forward but the final resolution provided for a joint 
departmental hospitalization drive in the Auxiliary. 

Dr. Kate Barrett, of Virginia, was elected National President 
and has the distinction of being one of the five women from the 
United States who were privileged to attend the signing of the treaty 
of Versailles. 

The following Vice-Presidents were elected: Mrs. Margaret 
Simon, Colorado; Mrs. Jennie Neely, Washington; Mrs. Donald 
MacCrae, Iowa; Mrs. Flora Spalding, New Hampshire; Mrs. Frank 
Fleming, Georgia; National Secretary, Miss Bess Wetherholt; Treas¬ 
urer, Miss Izetta McCoy; Historian, Mrs. Belle Nye; Chaplain, Mrs. 
F. O. Burdick. 


20 


CHAPTER III. 


Department of Connecticut. 

The first Connecticut man to hear from the leaders of The 
American Legion was James Moody, Jr., of Hartford. Hardly two 
weeks had passed (March 2 7, 1919) since the Paris Caucus, when 
Mr. Moody received a telegram from Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., stat¬ 
ing that a Caucus would be held in May, at St. Louis, and asking 
him to send the names of those whom he thought would represent 
Connecticut as delegates. Within a few days Mr. Roosevelt ap¬ 
pointed Mr. Moody State Chairman and Alfred Phillips, Jr., of 
Stamford, State Secretary. 

On April 1 6th, 1919, both chairman and secretary met in New 
Haven, and made arrangements for a state organization, by senat¬ 
orial districts. Four days later, Mr. Roosevelt called on Mr. Moody 
and requested him to proceed with arrangements for a delegation 
from this state to attend the St. Louis Caucus, May 8th to 10th, 
1919,. Two delegates were allotted for each congressional district, 
allowing this state ten. 

At the State Caucus held in Hartford, May 1 st, the following 
delegates-at-large were elected to St. Louis Caucus: Hiram Big- 
ham, New Haven; Walter Makepeace, Waterbury; James Moody, 
Hartford; Alfred Phillips, Stamford. Thirty out of thirty-five dis¬ 
tricts were represented by delegates. Vincent King represented 
Danbury. 

It is a source of satisfaction to note that William Malone, of 
Bristol, wrote the major part of the Constitution as presented and 
accepted at that time. Connecticut’s representatives also served on 
various committees including, executive, constitution, organization, 
convention, resolution, and finance. 

The first meeting of the Connecticut delegates, after the Cau¬ 
cus, was held in Hartford. Authorized by the National Legion they 
resolved themselves into the first state executive committee. James 
Moody was elected Chairman; William Malone, First Vice-Chair¬ 
man; Francis Carrol, Second Vice-Chairman; Alfred Phillips, Sec¬ 
retary; Frank Butterworth, Treasurer. 

Each member of the committee was appointed organizer in his 
district. Under the guidance and leadership of such men, the 
Connecticut Legion grew to a membership of seven thousand in five 


21 




short months. Thirty-four Posts had been formed, constituting the 
Charter Posts of the State. 

On June 1 2th, 1919, a certificate of incorporation was filed with 
the Secretary of State. A Charter and By-Laws were adopted 
at the second meeting of the State Executive Committee. 

Bernard Matthies, of Seymour, was elected State Historian and 
authorized to write a history of the Connecticut Legion. 

The first State Convention was held at Hartford, October 1 1th, 
1919. Philo Calhoun, of Bridgeport, was elected Chairman; James 
Hurley, of Waterbury, First Vice-Chairman; Paul Sampsell, New 
London, Second Vice-Chairman; Thomas Bannigan, Hartford, Sec¬ 
retary; Frank Butterworth, New Haven, Treasurer. 

An executive committee of two from 'each district was elected. 
The Convention was informed that Connecticut was entitled to 
eleven delegates to the National Convention. 

[Note—Connecticut furnished 50,069 men for the United States 
Army during the Great War, ranking twenty-eighth in the list of 
states. ] 

The second State Convention was held in Bridgeport, August 
21st, 1920. 

John Pickett, of Ansonia, was elected Department Commander. 
Vice-Commanders, James Cannon, Windsor Locks; Dr. J. A. Get¬ 
ting, New Haven; Adjutant, Thomas Bannigan, Hartford; Treas¬ 
urer, Frank Butterworth; Chaplain, Rev. Hal Kearns, Bridgeport. 

The third State Convention was held in New Haven, September 
17th, 1921. 

Clarence Seymour, of Hartford, was elected Commander. Vice- 
Commanders, Paige Seaton, Torrington; Edwin Gill, Terryville; 
Adjutant, Clarence Guinan, New Haven; Treasurer, Frank Butter¬ 
worth, New Haven; Chaplain, Rev. John Landry. 

The fourth State Convention was held in Waterbury, September 
8th and 9th, 1922. 

Edward Kelly, of Bridgeport, was elected Commander. Vice- 
Commanders, Oliver Elsworth, Portland; Frank Hurley, Southing¬ 
ton; Adjutant, Clarence Guinan; Treasurer, Clarence Scarborought, 
New Haven; Chaplain, Rev. Gallaudent, Waterbury. 


22 



CHAPTER IV. 


Danbury Post. 

Colonel Vincent M. King might be called the father of the local 
American Legion, as it was he, who was instrumental in obtaining 
the charter for the Danbury Post, No. 60. The others who signed 
the charter were Dr. W. Frank Gordon, Francis Ffaynes, Anthony 
Sunderland, Charles Scofield, Dr. D. Chester Brown, Thomas Set¬ 
tle, Flerbert Durgy, Flerbert Blackman, Ffenry Wilson, Morton 
Shepard, Thomas Keane, Walter Smith, Algie Mead, Gus Flolmgren, 
Charles Lord. 

Ten months after the first meeting in France of the “original 
twenty, who started The American Legion, Danbury Post was organ¬ 
ized, December 18, 1919. Vincent King called the meeting which 
was held in K. of P. Hall, 249 Main Street. After announcing the 
receipt of the charter, he gave the purpose of the meeting, and in 
order to organize and carry on the business it was necessary to elect 
officers. 

Walter Smith was elected Chairman and Francis Haynes, Secre¬ 
tary. A committee of ten was appointed to secure new members 
and bring in to the next meeting suggested names for the newly or¬ 
ganized Post, as follows: George R. Hooper, Chairman; Emil 
Pauli, Joseph Platt, Frederick O’Connor, Herbert Blackman, Squire 
Romans, Charles Lord, John McLean, Anthony Sunderland, Gus¬ 
tave Pauli, Martin Green. 

At the first regular meeting, the following committee on By- 
Laws was appointed: Frederick O’Connor, Bela Hornik, Henry 
Wilson. 

A nominating committee of five members was appointed to pre¬ 
sent a list of names for the offices of Commander, Vice-Command¬ 
er, Adjutant and Treasurer. Dr. D. C. Brown, Anthony Sunder¬ 
land, Martin Green, Charles Scofield and George Hooper consti¬ 
tuted this committee. Charles Scofield was named recruiting officer. 

At the second regular meeting of the Post, January 12, 1920, 
the above nominating committee reported the following officers: 
Commander, Walter Smith; Vice-Commander, Dr. Gordon; Adju¬ 
tant Francis Haynes; Charles Scofield was later elected Treasurer. 

Executive Committee consisted of Morton Shepard, Herbert 
Blackman, James Biggs, Patrick Dellamonica, Paul Walsh. As there 


23 


were no other nominations the officers were declared elected for 

1920. 

At the following meeting Commander Smith made the following 
appointments: Membership Committee, Charles Scofield, Joseph 

Platt, J. White, Gustave Pauli, Emil Pauli, Anthony Sunderland, 
Bela Hornik, Squire Romans, Frank Stone, Ezra Edmonds, Gus 
Holmgren. Publicity Committee: Dr. Brown, Anthony Sunder¬ 
land, John Horan. Entertainment Committee: Anthony Sunder¬ 
land, Gustave Pauli, Joseph Platt, Bela Hornik, Squire Romans. 

In February, a fund committee was appointed, consisting of 
Vincent King, Herbert Durgy, Harry Dolan, Frank Falvo, Otto 
Stietzel. 

The name “Danbury” was unanimously agreed upon as appro¬ 
priate for the newly organized Post. 

Five new members were added to the Executive Committee: 
Herbert Durgy, Gustave Pauli, Frank Stone, LeGrand Benedict and 
Kenneth Hooper. 

Frederick O’Connor was voted Second Vice-Commander. 

An Athletic Committee was appointed as follows: Willis Tom¬ 
linson, Harry Dolan, Herbert Durgy, F. C. Van Deusen, Bela Hor¬ 
nik. 

To cooperate with the G. A. R. and to celebrate Memorial Day 
fittingly, the following Memorial Committee was appointed: Frank 

Stone, Anthony Sunderland, Herbert Durgy, Squire Romans. 

It was voted to extend a general invitation to all ex-service men 
and women, to participate with the Legion in the Memorial Day 
exercises. 

The delegates elected to attend the State Convention to be held 
in Bridgeport, August 20th, were: Second Vice-Commander, Fred¬ 
erick O’Connor and Adjutant Francis Haynes. 

On November First, the Post moved into its new quarters— 
four rooms over the K. of P. Hall, in the Hardware building. 

November 1 1, 1920. The second anniversary of the Signing 
of the Armistice was celebrated by the Post, with a Military Ball, 
held in the State Armory. The occasion was such a success that it 
was voted to make it an annual affair, as a means of raising funds 
to help carry on the welfare work of the Post. 

Roy Webber, was the first member of the Post to lose his life, 
having been killed in an accident, near Brookfield, September 8th, 

1920. 

At the end of the first year, the roster of Danbury Post, No. 60. 
shows a membership of one hundred and thirty-nine ex-service men 
and women. 


24 


The following officers were elected for 1921 : 

Commander, Dr. W. F. Gordon; Senior Vice-Commander, 
Frederick O Connor; Junior Vice-Commander, Herbert Durgy; Ad¬ 
jutant, Francis Haynes; Treasurer, Charles Scofield. 

Executive Committee: Phillip Sunderland, Bela Hornik, Paci- 
fico Natale (for one year) ; Frank Cleary, Frank Stone, Louis Gar¬ 
rison (for two years) ; Harold Brundage, Linder Smith, Ralph Rey¬ 
nolds (for three years). 

Legislative Committee: Vincent King, Frank Stone, Squire 
Romans, Charles Scofield. 

Publicity Committee : George Hamilton, Dr. Brown, John 
Horan. 

Memorial Committee: Louis Garrison, Herbert Durgy, Emil 
Pauli Otto Roemer. 

Entertainment Committee: Flerbert Durgy, Reuben King, Phil¬ 
lip Sunderland, Prank Cleary, Joseph Barry. 

House Committee: James Knick, Thomas Atherton, Donald 
Tweedy, Ralph Reynolds, Alton O’Connor. 

Athletic Committee: Ralph Reynolds, Martin Lacava, Squire 
Romans, John McLachlan. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Harry Miller. 

Color Guards, Phillip Sunderland, James Knick. 

Officers elected for 1922: 

Commander, Herbert Durgy; Senior Vice-Commander, Alton 
O’Connor; Junior Vice-Commander, Reuben King; Adjutant, Al¬ 
fred Lawson; Treasurer, Charles Scofield; Chaplain, Arthur Lake. 

Executive Committee: Dr. Gordon, Francis Haynes, Phillip 
Sunderland (for three years.) 

Legislative Committee: Dr. Gordon, Francis Haynes, Charles 
Scofield, Frank Stone, Vincent King. 

Publicity Committee: Herbert Durgy, John Horan, Arthur 
Lake. 

Memorial Committee: Francis Haynes, John McLachlan, 
Squire Romans, Harold Brundage, Herbert Durgy, Edward Valliere. 

Activity Committee: Arthur Lake, Reuben King, Joseph Baary, 
Waldo Hyatt, Frank Sandusky, Harold Scofield. 

House Committee: Harold Brundage, James Knick, Louis Gar¬ 
rison, Vincent King, Donald Tweedy, Frank Falvo. 

Athletic Committee: Arthur Hall, Bela Hornik, Henry Ro- 
cano, Louis Wiedl, Frank Cleary. 


25 


Mayors Committee: Donald Tweedy, Ralph Reynolds, 
Anthony Sunderland. 

State Fund Committee: Frank Stone, Francis Haynes, Herbert 
Durgy, Joseph Gilliotti. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Otto Roemer. Color Guards, Louis Garri¬ 
son, John Visny. 

A handsome silk banner bearing the name and number of Dan¬ 
bury Post, No. 60, American Legion, was presented to the Post, as 
a gift from the Boosters’ Club of this city, Friday evening, April 28. 
1922. 

The presentation was made by Mr. Arnold Turner, who in the 
course, of his remarks, read the Preamble to The American Legion 
Constitution, which expresses the ideals for which the Legion stands. 
He also said The Boosters are striving for the same abjects and 
standards and that they are with the Legion in all its undertakings. 

Officers elected for 1923: 

Commander, Lieutenant Samuel Smith, U. S. A.; Senior Vice- 
Commander, Louis Garrison; Junior Vice-Commander, Harold 
Ruffles; Adjutant, Harold Scofield; Finance Officer, John McLach- 
lan; Chaplain, Charles Scofield. 

Executive Committee: (for three years) Herbert Durgy, Alfred 
Lawson, Alton O’Connor. 

House Committee: Thomas Atherton, Eliot Parmelee, Morris 
Downs. 

Activities Committee: Harold Ruffles, Alton O’Connor, Morris 
Downs, James Knick. 

Memorial Day Committee: Harold Brundage, Alton O’Connor, 
Alfred Lawson. 

Legislative Committee: Vincent King, Alfred Lawson Harold 
Scofield. 

Civic Committee: Samuel Smith, Louis Garrison. 

State Fund Committee: Frank Stone, Herbert Durgy, Carl 
Goos. 

Membership Committee: Reuben King, Kenneth Wilson; Al¬ 
fred Lawson. 

Publicity Committee: John Horan, Herbert Durgy. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Willis Woodin. 

Color Sergeants: James Knick, Thomas Atherton. 

Guards: Robert Healey, Orano Capellaro. 


26 


Veterans of the World War Who Have Joined the Danbury Post 
Since Its Organization, December, 1919. 


George Allingham 
Thomas Atherton 
Potiti Anciello 
Charles Balser 
Clifford Banks 
George Barhite 
Joseph Barry 
A. L. Bartlett 
Sam Baz 
Clifford Baldwin 
LeGrand Benedict 
Alexander Berardi 
T. H. Bernd 
James Biggs 
Herbert Blackman 
Vernon Blako 
Harry Boughton 
Phillip Bowers 
Frank Borodenko 
Eugene Bouteiller 
Clinton Braunfeldt 
Dr. D. C. Brown 
Percival Brown 
William Brown 
Arthur Brink 
Harold Brundage 
Guiseppi Bupivi 
Edward Burns 
Charles Butt 
Orano Capellaro 
Louis Casini 
Benvenuto Castrucio 
Paul Cavanaugh 
Cicero Clark 
Frank Cleary 
Arthur Cresci 
Alfred Connollev 
Henry Cornell 
Arthur Covill 
Nile Curtis 
Leslie Davis 
John Deakin 
Anthony DeJulia 
Salvatore DeJulia 
Patrick Dellamonica 
Harry Dolan 
C. D. Downing 
Morris Downs 
Peter Durkin 
Herbert Durgy 
Patrick Dyer 


Thomas Dyer 
Ezra Edmond 
Dr. R. M. English 
Robert Fairchild 
Frank Falvo 
Carl Faust 
Wilbur Ferguson 
Vito Ferrando 
John Fitzgerald 
Arthur Foster 
Arthur Franklin 
Louis Garrison 
Chauncey Gilbert 
William Gildea 
John Giglotti 
Joseph Gillotti 
Carl Goos 
Dr. W. F. Gordon 
Harold Grant 
Martin Green 
George Graef 
George Griggs 
James Grimshaw 
Edward Grolljahn 
Herbert Hand 
Arthur Hall 
George Hamilton 
Francis Haynes 
Robert Healey 
Gus Holmgren 
Kenneth Hooper 
Nicholas Hooper 
Reginald Hooper 
Herbert Hopkins 
John Horan 
Bela Hornik 
Edward Howard 
John Hudson 
Dominic Hunt 
Waldo Hyatt 
Lester Ives 
Allan Johnson 
Carl Johnson 
Leroy Jones 
Albert Kammler 
Perry Katz 
Francis Keane 
Thomas Keane 
Kenneth Keeler 
Savas Kefian 
Reuben King 


Vincent King 
Kenneth Kinner 
Charles Kijttle 
George Klinzing 
James Knick 
Andriance Kniffin 
Domonic Kudorowsky 
Martin LaCava 
Arthur Lake 
George Lane 
Alfred Lawson 
Reginald Lewis 
Wadsworth Lewis 
Charles Lord 
Samuel Loshin 
Roderick Luttgen 
John A. Lynch 
John J. Lynch 
Joseph Lynch 
Edward Lyons 
John Madden 
Anthony Magliaro 
Adolf Malaspina 
Fred Morasco 
Louis Marasco 
Benjamin Maynard 
Harold McCarthy 
Harry McLachlan 
John McLachlan 
John McLean 
Ronald McLean 
Thomas McNally 
Leon Meaney 
Harry Miller 
John Mitchell 
Frank Montesi 
Raymond Moore 
Joseph Mortola 
George Morton 
John Murphy 
John Murray 
Pacifico Natale 
Lea Newton 
Alton O’Connor 
$ Joseph Poliak 
Salvatore Parille 
Elliot Parmelee 
Norman Parrott 
George Pattison 
Emil Pauli 
Gustave Pauli 


27 


Harold Peffers 
Phillip Peffers 
John R. Perkins 
Alexander Pizzo 
Charles Platt 
Joseph Platt 
Bronok Plaski 
Arthur Quaas 
Fred Quaas 
Donald Queeney 
Henry Rau 
John Rener 
Ralph Reynolds 
Thomas Reynolds 
R. C. Richard 
Harold Rickert 
William Rider 
Otto Roemer 
Squire Romans 
Henry Rocano 
Stanley Rubenstein 
Harold Ruffles 
Felice Ruggiero 
Basil Russell 
Phillip Russo 
James Ryan 
John Ryder 
Mike Sacco 
Louise Sands 


Frank Sandusky 
Anthony Sanuik 
Joseph Scheanblum 
Charles Scofield 
Harold Scofield 
Benjamin Scully 
Robert Settle 
Thomas Settle 
Joseph Shakeen 
John Shakra 
Morton Shepard 
John Singer 
Lawrence Smith 
Linder Smith 
Lieut. Samuel Smith 
Walter Smith 
Franklin Snow 
Dr. W. M. Stahl 
Frank Starr 
Kenneth Stevens 
Sylvester Stevens 
Otto Stietzel 
Frank Stone 
George Stott 
Antonio Strumolo 
Anthony Sunderland 
Phillip Sunderland 
William Sunderland 
Charles Susnitzky 


Harrison Sword 
William Temple 
Irving Tierney 
Fernand Thetion 
Willis Tomlinson 
Adolf Toudrick 
Donald Tweedy 
Edward Valliere 
Frank Valluzzo 
John Visny 
Constantine Vournazas 
Albert Walsh 
T. J. Walsh 
Paul Walsh 
Conrad Ward 
William Ward 
Joseph White 
William White 
Louis Wiedl 
Abraham Williamson 
Henry Wilson 
Kenneth Wilson 
Leroy Woolard 
Roy Webber (deceased) 
Joseph Wochek (decease 
Myrtle Woodman 
Clifton Wright 
Benjamin Young 
Merrick Zucca 


CHAPTER V. 


Danbury Auxiliary, Unit No. 60. 

January 17, 1921, might well be called the birthday of the local 
American Legion Auxiliary, for it was on that date the first gather¬ 
ing of mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of ex-service men was 
called, at the invitation of the Danbury Post. About thirty women 
responded. 

The meeting was called to order by Mrs. D. Frank Stevens, who 
gave the purpose of the gathering. Alton O’Connor, Vice-Com¬ 
mander of the Post, outlined briefly the ideals of the Legion as ex¬ 
pressed in the preamble of the Constitution; also the aims and pur¬ 
poses of the Auxiliary Units, discussing eligibility to membership, 
dues, finances and officers. In behalf of the Post, Mr. O’Connor 
offered the use of the Post’s rooms for all future meetings of the 
Unit. 

Mrs. D. Frank Stevens was elected President pro-tem and Mrs. 
Alton O’Connor, Acting Secretary. They were also appointed as 
Delegates to the first State Convention, to be held at Bridgeport, 
February First. Before adjourning, twenty-four members signed 
an application for a Unit Charter, as follows: 

Mrs. Catherine Hager, Mrs. Nettie O’Connor, Mrs. May Brooks, 
Mrs. Florence Rooney, Mrs. Nellie Lawson, Mrs. Lillian Smith, Mrs. 
Gene Brundage, Mrs. Jennie Stone, Miss Louise Stone, Mrs. Louise 
Roth, Mrs. Nellie Thompson, Mrs. Minnie Wilson, Mrs. Kathryn 
Woolard, Miss Eda Woolard, Mrs. Gertrude Davis, Mrs. Hattie 
King, Mrs. Maude Parmelee, Mrs. Louise Walling, Mrs. Lena Giar- 
dina, Mrs. Louise Sturges, Miss Eloise Parmelee, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Hand, Mrs. Mabel Stevens, Miss Anna Hornik. 

At the first regular meeting of the newly organized Auxiliary, a 
report of the delegates to the State Convention was given. 

Governor Everett Lake was present and encouraged the women 
in their new undertaking and referred in glowing terms to the great 
aid they rendered the men who fought in France. 

National Commander, Frederick Galbraith, gave a stirring ad¬ 
dress describing the neglect from which the disabled veterans of the 
war are now suffering. “The purpose of the Auxiliary is to aid The 
American Legion, and to look after the welfare of the ex-service 


29 





men, especially the disabled, just as the Women s Relief Corps has 
been aiding the Grand Army of the Republic. In time the Legion 
Auxiliary will succeed the Relief Corps and become the greatest 
patriotic organization in the country. 

The result of the election for State Officers was as follows: 
President, Mrs. Fannie Crosby, Bridgeport; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. 
F. G. Carpenter, Wethersfield; Mrs. Raynham Townsend, New 
Haven; Secretary, Miss Helen Brock, Plainville; Treasurer, Mrs. 
William Bristol, Stratford; Chaplain, Mrs. Mary Higgins, Clinton. 

To celebrate February 22nd, Mrs. D. F. Stevens gave a Wash¬ 
ington Birthday Party at her home. This was the first social affair 
held by the Auxiliary and was well attended by members of both 
the Post and the Unit. A musical program was rendered, dancing 
was enjoyed, and dainty refreshment were served during the even¬ 
ing. 

Two members of the Auxiliary have represented the Unit at the 
funerals of those heroes whose bodies were brought back from 
France. 

On March 9th, we mourned the loss of our charter member, 
Mrs. Louise Walling, our gold-star mother whose son, Raymond 
Walling was killed in action and in whose memory the local Veter¬ 
ans of Foreign Wars was named. 

The State President, sends the following greeting to Auxiliary 
Units, “We have not chosen this work, but were chosen for it, on 
that day when the finger of God touched us, and the seal of grief 
was pressed on our brow. On that day when we knew for a surety 
that our loved ones were going out over the threshold, from the 
warmth and light and liberty of home, to pass under the cold, hard 
yoke of army discipline and endure the terrors of a most brutal war. 

That chapter of our lives was not closed when those who re¬ 
mained of our men returned from the winepress of ’ 1 7 and ’ 1 8, and 
it will not be closed until the last sick and disabled soldier has all 
the aid that medical and surgical skill and kindly nursing can give 
him, and all ex-service men have had a square deal from the country 
for which they put their lives in jeopardy.” 

The election of officers of Danbury Auxiliary, Unit No. 60, took 
place March 21st. Mrs. D. F. Stevens was elected President; Mrs. 
Minnie Wilson, Vice-President; Mrs. Nettie O’Connor, Secretary; 
Mrs. Gene Brundage, Treasurer. 

The Executive Committee consisted of the following members 
elected: Miss Anna Hornik and Mrs. Kittie Ruffles to serve three 

years; Mrs. M. P. Reynolds and Mrs. Nellie Lawson for two years; 
.Mrs. Charles King and Miss Kathryn Lane, for one year. 


30 


The gold-star members (those who lost either, father, husband, 
son or brother in the war) were presented with emblem pins at a 
fitting exercise. 

On March 29th, the Danbury Post tendered a reception to its 
Auxiliary, and also had as guests members of the Grand Army of 
the Republic and the Women s Relief Corps. The boys served 
supper “Army style.” A musical program was rendered during the 
evening. 

The President of the Unit made the following appointments: 
Membership Committee: Mrs. Leroy Woolard, Mrs. Maud Parme- 
lee, Mrs. J. P. Peffers, Mrs. Gertrude Davis, Mrs. May Brooks. 
Entertainment Committee: Mrs. Nettie O’Connor, Mrs. Christine 
Reynolds, Mrs. Florence Rooney, Miss Alice Ruffles, Miss Eloise 
Parmelee, Miss Eda Woolard. Card Committee: Mrs. Charles King, 
Mrs. Gertrude Davis, Mrs. Kittie Ruffles, Mrs. Nellie Hawley, Miss 
Anna Hornik, Miss Woolard. Publicity: Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Haw¬ 
ley. 

The Auxiliary Unit sent to the Senator of Connecticut a resolu¬ 
tion adopted April 25 th, indorsing the program of legislation asked 
by The American Legion for the relief of the disabled ex-service 
men. The Unit later received a reply from Senator McLean, stat¬ 
ing it shall be presented to the Senate at an early date, giving the 
same his careful consideration. 

A letter was also received from National Commander Galbraith 
in appreciation of the resolution calling for the relief of disabled 
veterans. 

The Auxiliary Unit purchased and presented a handsome silk 
American Flag to the Danbury Post, with fitting ceremony, on May 
2 7th. Commander Gordon accepted the colors, which will be car¬ 
ried in the parade on Memorial Day. 

The exercise was witnessed by the G. A. R., Women’s Relief 
Corps and the Spanish War Veterans. 

Memorial Day, May 30, 1921. 

With ceremonies reverent and patriotic, Danbury paid tribute 
to the memory of the men who served America, and whose bodies 
rest in local cemeteries, or lie in distant lands, perhaps unknown or 
unmarked graves. This probably will be the last Memorial exer¬ 
cises to be conducted by the G. A. R., whose ranks have become so 
thinned that only sixteen Civil War Veterans took part in the parade. 

The day was observed as a general holiday. The National 
colors were displayed on all buildings and people everywhere wore 
poppies, the National Memorial Flower, and sold by The American 
Legion and its Auxiliary, for the welfare of the disabled. 


31 















Donald Tweedy, member of the Danbury Post was Chief Marsh¬ 
al of the parade. His staff consisted of Commander Gordon, Ad¬ 
jutant Haynes, Dr. Brown and Vincent King, of the Post; also Ira 
Wildman of the G. A. R., and John Haugh, Commander of the 
Walling Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

The first division comprised the military units, acting as escorts 
to the veterans of the last three wars; Battery D., C. A. C., Civil 
War Veterans, Spanish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
The American Legion, and its Auxiliary Unit, all in uniforms, also 
the Junior National Guards. 

Ira Wildman presided during the exercises at the monument. 
Rev. John Kane was the speaker of the occasion. Rev. John Deyo 
read Lincoln s Gettysburg speech. The ritual of the G. A. R. was 
conducted by the members and at its conclusion taps was sounded 
by Bugler Pauli of the Post; the Flag upon the liberty pole was 
lowered; a salute to the dead was fired by the Battery Squad. The 
raising of the colors and the playing of the national anthem con¬ 
cluded the exercises. 

The usual gathering of the veterans took place in the rooms of 
the Women s Relief Corps, where dinner was served to about one 
hundred and sixty former soldiers, sailors and marines. The Relief 
Corps which has faithfully carried on this work for more than a hajf 
century was assisted this year by the Danbury Auxiliary Unit, No. 
60. 

The Danbury Post and Auxiliary Unit went on record as expres¬ 
sing their deep sorrow at the untimely death of our late National 
Commander, Galbraith, on June 9th, 1921. 

The Legion Charter was ordered draped and a telegram sent to 
M rs. Galbraith expressing the sympathy of the members. 

On June 27th, the Auxiliary Unit attended the Annual Flag Ex¬ 
ercises of the Women s Relief Corps. An excellent patriotic pro¬ 
gram was presented, and thoroughly enjoyed. 

In August, National Commander, John Emery, sent an appeal 
to every Post and Unit to try and double its membership. The 
members of the Auxiliary made an extensive “drive” for new mem¬ 
bers for both Post and Unit. The results proved satisfactory. 

At a joint session of the Post and Auxiliary Unit in October, 
National Vice-Commander, Claudius Pendell, who happened to be 
East on a business trip, gave an interesting talk on what the Legion 
was doing out West especially in his district. 

October 31st—November 2d—The Third National Convention 
of The American Legion was held at Kansas City, Mo. Vincent 
King represented the Danbury Post for the second time. He gave 
an interesting report upon his return from the Convention. 


32 


November 11, 1921.—Armistice Day was celebrated by the 
Danbury Post, by holding its second annual military ball in the 
State Armory. Remarks appropriate to the occasion were made by 
Commander Gordon. The gathering paid a moment’s silent tribute 
to the soldiers dead, as they stood with bowed heads. “To the 
Colors was then sounded followed by “taps’ and the singing of 
the Star-Spangled Banner. Following the “grand march’ led 
hy Commander Gordon of the Post and President Mrs. Stevens of 
the Auxiliary, dancing was enjoyed the remainder of the evening. 

A Card Party and Christmas Bazaar was held in December, 
which was well patronized. 

The Auxiliary presented the Post with a substantial check as a 
Christmas gift, while the members of the Unit presented their Pres¬ 
ident with a handsome plant, as a token of esteem in which she is 
held. 

During the first year of the life of the Auxiliary the membership 
had increased to sixty-nine members. 

On December 29th, the election of officers for 1922 took place, 
the result of which was as follows: 

President, Mrs. Minnie Wilson; Vice-President, Mrs. Hattie 
King; Secretary, Mrs. Mary Fairchild; Treasurer, Miss Mildred Wil¬ 
liams; Chaplain, Mrs. D. F. Stevens; Historian, Miss Anna Hornik; 
Executive Committee (to serve three years) Mrs. Nettie O’Connor, 
Mrs. Gene Brundage, Mrs. Lillian Smith, Mrs. J. P. Peffers. 

1922 

To celebrate the first anniversary of the organization of the Dan¬ 
bury Auxiliary Unit, No. 60, the members held a birthday party on 
January 20th. Members of the Danbury Post, G. A. R., Women’s 
Relief Corps and K. of P., were guests of the evening. 

At the first regular meeting of the Auxiliary, the President an¬ 
nounced the following committees for the year 1922: 

Publicity, Mrs. Kittie Ruffles; Membership, Miss Anna Hornik, 
Chairman; Mrs. Louise Roth, Mrs. Lillian Smith, Mrs. Florence 
Rooney, Mrs. Rose Civetti, Mrs. May Brooks. Welfare and Sick: 
Mrs. Nellie Lawson, Chairman; Mrs. Mabel Stevens, Mrs. Hattie 
King, Mrs. J. E. Woolard, Miss Eda Woolard. Entertainment: 
Mrs. Nettie O’Connor, Chairman; Mrs. Gene Brundage, Mrs. Mary 
Fairchild, Mrs. Vernon Blake, Mrs. James Knick, Miss Helen Gil¬ 
bert, Miss Alice Ruffles, Miss Eloise Parmelee. Cards: Mrs. Stev¬ 
ens, Chairman; Mrs. Hattie King, Mrs. Maud Parmelee, Mrs. Smith, 
Mrs. M. P. Reynolds, Mrs. J. P. Peffers, Mrs. Nellie Hawley, Mrs. 
George Scofield, Mrs. L. W. Durgy, Miss Hornik and Miss Gilbert. 
Refreshment: Mrs. Hattie King, Chairman; Mrs. Maud Parmelee, 

33 









Mrs. Lawson, Mrs. Ruffles, Mrs. Rooney, Mrs. Katherine Stahl, Mrs. 
Harriet Baker. 

February 22nd being an annual occasion, the Auxiliary cele¬ 
brated it with a Washington s Birthday Party and had as guests, 
members of the Danbury Post. 

On the evenings of February 27th and 28th, a Musical Comedy, 
“All Aboard” was presented at the Empress Theatre under the aus¬ 
pices of the Danbury Post. Without a doubt it was the largest pro¬ 
duction of its kind ever staged by local talent; about one hundred 
and fifty taking part in the chorus, including several members of 
both Post and Auxiliary. 

A Card Party and Dance under the joint auspices of Post and 
Auxiliary, was held at the Hotel Green, April 1 7th, and was largely 
attended. 

The Unit served an elaborate supper to a Fairfield County dele¬ 
gation which met in conference with the Danbury Post Executive 
Committee, April 2 7th. 

Beginning in May, the Auxiliary will hold sewing gatherings 
twice a month. The articles to be made will be sold at a bazaar to 
be held in the fall. 

Sunday, May 28th, the Danbury Post participated in the Mem¬ 
orial Parade and Exercises held in Bethel. The Auxiliary witnessed 
the exercises and sold poppies to help the disabled veterans. One 
thousand poppies were disposed of for Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day, May 30, 1922. 

Danbury pays homage to the men who served their country 
upon the fields of battle and who now lie in their last resting places. 
The chief feature of the day was the annual parade. Ralph Rey¬ 
nolds, of Walling Post was the Marshal, and had as aides, Arthur 
Wood, Linder Smith, and Leslie Davis. Herbert Durgy, Com¬ 
mander of Danbury Post, No. 60, was in command of the first divi¬ 
sion, followed by Battery D., C. A. C., then the survivors of the 
Civil War, riding in automobiles. Next came Walling Post, Veter¬ 
ans of Foreign Wars, with their Auxiliary; The American Legion, 
Danbury Post, with their Auxiliary in uniforms. 

The exercises were held at Wooster Cemetery and were impres¬ 
sive. Flowers were scattered about the soldiers’ monument to 
typify the laying of flowers upon the graves of all soldier dead, 
wherever they may be. “Taps” was sounded from a distance after 
the squad from Battery D had fired three volleys, and the exercises 
were ended. 

At the conclusion of the return march, the veterans of the three 
wars, numbering over one hundred, assembled in the banquet hall 

34 


4 i < 


of the Odd Fell ows’ building, where dinner was served by the 
Women s Relief Corps, assisted by the Legion and Walling Post 
Auxiliaries. 

A committee consisting of members of the Sons of Veterans, 
Spanish War Veterans and those of the late World War, marked 
with Flags, the graves of all the ex-service men who have died since 
the Civil War, numbering in all about 5 76. 

In honor of Flag Day, the graves of the deceased World War 
Veterans were decorated by a committee of the Auxiliary Unit, as¬ 
sisted by George Hoyt, Sons of Veterans, and Reuben King, Amer¬ 
ican Legion. The generous response of the school children for 
requests for flowers made it possible to place two bouquets (one of 
roses the other daisies) upon each grave. Twenty-eight graves were 
decorated in all. 

The second Department Convention of The American Legion 
Auxiliary was held in Hartford, September 14th, 1922. Mrs. Wil¬ 
son, Mrs. Fairchild and Miss Williams were delegates from Dan¬ 
bury Unit, who attended the Convention, with Mrs. Stevens, and 
Mrs. Rooney as alternates. Mrs. Stevens was elected first delegate 
to the National Convention to be held in New Orleans, October 
16th to 19th, 1922. 

The State Officers elected at the Convention were: President, 
Mrs. Emma Carpenter, Wethersfield; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Grace 
Stratton, Bridgeport; Miss Mary Coyle, Waterbury. Secretary, 
Miss Helen Brock, Plainville; Treasurer, Miss Grace Merry, Hart¬ 
ford; Historian, Mrs. Grace Gill, Terryville; Chaplain, Mrs. Mary 
Orr, Meriden. 

The third Annual Military Ball of the Danbury Post, was held 
in the State Armory, November 1 Oth. Over 600 attended the 
event. Commander Durgy made brief remarks and introduced 
State Commander, Edward Kelley, who delivered a stirring address, 
reviewing in memory the events of the war and the days following 
the signing of the Armistice. He also spoke of The American 
Legion, giving its aims and purposes as an organization of ex-ser¬ 
vice men and women. At the conclusion of his remarks, the Nation¬ 
al Anthem was played by the orchestra. Dancing was enjoyed the 
remainder of the evening. The refreshment booth was in charge 
of the Auxiliary. 

November 1 1, 1922.—The fourth anniversary of the signing of 
the Armistice was observed by a military parade and the unveiling 
of the Memorial Tablet. The plan for the parade was in charge of 
The American Legion, with Commander Durgy, as Marshal, having 
as his aides, Lieutenant Samuel Smith, U. S. A., Anthony Sunder¬ 
land, of Danbury Post and Ralph Reynolds of Walling Post. 



35 


The exercises were held in front of the Post Office building 
where the bronze tablet is erected as a permanent memorial to the 
men of Danbury who gave their lives in the service of their country 
during the World War. Inscribed upon the tablet, in addition to 
the names of thirty-five men who made the supreme sacrifice, are 
these words: “In Honor of the Men and Women of Danbury, Who 
Served in the World War, 1917-1919, and in Memory of Those 
Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice for Liberty.” 

Colonel J. Moss Ives, Chairman of the War Memorial Com¬ 
mittee presided. The principal speakers were, Rev. Joseph Twitch- 
ell, formerly of this city, who served as Chaplain with the 303rd 
Artillery, and the Rev. John Ryan, of St. Peter s Church. The 
Community Chorus sang “America” and the “Star-Spangled Ban¬ 
ner.” During the unveiling of the Tablet by Mayor Gilbert, “Near¬ 
er My God to Thee” was sung. Immediately after, a squad from 
Battery D. fired three salutes, followed by the sounding of “taps.”. 

At the conclusion of the exercises, the Legion Auxiliary had a 
large wreath with the words, “We Did Not Forget” inscribed there¬ 
in, placed at the base of the Tablet. In the afternoon and contin¬ 
uing for two days, seven members of the Auxiliary served on the 
Red Cross Membership Drive. 

The Annual Bazaar of the Auxiliary was held December fourth. 
The articles the members had been sewing on since May were dis¬ 
posed of as well as home-made candy, cake and canned fruit. 

To mark the third Anniversary of the organization of the Dan¬ 
bury Post, the Auxiliary invited the members to a Birthday Party, 
December 18th, in celebration of the event. The Unit took this 
occasion to announce that as a gift it had set aside a substantial sum 
of money to be used as a foundation for a building fund for the Dan¬ 
bury Post. The Commander thanked the Auxiliary for its gener¬ 
osity and cooperation. 

The last meeting of the year, December 28th, was given over 
to the election of officers, for 1923. The following were declared 
elected: President, Mrs. Hattie King; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Lillian 
Smith and Mrs. Gene Brundage; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Harriet 
Baker; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. May Brooks; Treasurer, Mrs. 
Florence Rooney; Chaplain, Mrs. Mabel Stevens; Historian, Miss 
Anna Hornik; Sergeant-at-Arms, Mrs. J. E. Woolard. Executive 
Committee: (for three years) Mrs. Wilson, Miss Williams, Mrs. 

Parmelee; Mrs. Fairchild (for two years); Mrs. Clara McLachlan 
(for one year.) 


36 


Mothers, Wives, Sisters and Daughters of Legionaires or World 
War Heroes Who Have Joined the Danbury Auxiliary, Unit No. 60: 








Charter Members 
Mrs. Catherine Hager 
Mrs. Nettie O’Connor 
Mrs. May Brooks 
Mrs. Florence Rooney 
Mrs. Nellie Lawson 
Mrs. Lillian Smith 
Mrs. Gene Brundage 
Mrs. Jennie Stone 
Miss Louise Stone 
Mrs. Louise Roth 
Mrs. Nellie Thompson 
Mrs. Minnie Wilson 
Mrs. Kathryn Woolard 
Miss Eda Woolard 
Mrs. Gertrude Davis 
Mrs. Hattie King 
Mrs. Maud Parmelee 
:j:Mrs. Louise Walling 
Mrs. Lena Giardina 
Mrs. Louise Sturges 
Miss Eloise Parmelee 
^:Mrs. Elizabeth Hand 
Mrs. Mabel Stevens 
Miss Anna Hornik 

*Mrs. Ivan Fairchild 
Mrs. Merrick Zucca 
Mrs. George Pattison 
Miss Helen Gilbert 
*Mrs. Nellie Hawley 
*Mrs. Belle Hyatt 
Mrs. Martha Falvo 
Mrs. M. P. Reynolds 
Mrs. Christine Reynolds 
Mrs. Marguerite Biggs 
Mrs. Margaret Haviland 
Miss Kathryn Lane 
Mrs. Bertha Romans 
Miss Margret Green 
Mrs. Kittie Ruffles 
Miss Alice Ruffles 
Mrs. J. P. Peffers 
Mrs. Irene Malaspina 
Mrs. J. E. Woolard 
Mrs. Mildred Smith 


:! Mrs. George Hawley 
Mrs. Mary Hand 
Mrs. Katherine Sunderland 
Miss Isabel Sunderland 
Mrs. R. M. English 
Mrs. Margery Haynes 
Miss Florence Hand 
Mrs. Arthur Hall 
Mrs. George Scofield 
Mrs. Margret Murphy 
Mrs. Fred Marasco 
Mrs. James Knick 
Mrs. Katherine Stahl 
Mrs. Maud Ellis 
Mrs. Alfred Lawson 
*Mrs. Harriet Baker 
Mrs. James Civetti 
Mrs. Hazel Foster 
Miss Mildred Williams 
Mrs. Vernon Blake 
Mrs. Emily Cornell 
Mrs. Basil Russell 
*Mrs. Fred Lyon 
Mrs. Frank Warren 
Mrs. William White 
Mrs. L. W. Durgy 
*Mrs. Howard Ives 
Miss Christine McLean 
Miss Anna Rocano 
Miss Gertrude Rocano 
Mrs. Julia Sunderland 
Miss Millicent Sunderland 
Miss Jeanette Sunderland 
Mrs. Clara McLachlan 
*Mrs. Georgiabel Peck 
Mrs. Ella Blake 
Mrs. John Miller 
Mrs. Albert Kammler 
Mrs. Andrew Woodman 
Mrs. Harriet Grimshaw 
Mrs. Olga Connors 

*Gold Star Members, 
^Deceased 


37 












































































